The temperance movement and social work

Area of Science:

• Social Work History
• Social Movements
• Public Health

Background:

• Examines the historical involvement of social work in the temperance movement (late 19th-early 20th centuries).
• Highlights contributions of prominent figures like Jane Addams and Jeannette Rankin.

Observation:

• This significant engagement of social workers in the temperance cause is largely overlooked in contemporary historical accounts.
• The temperance movement represented a major social justice issue of its era.

Findings:

• Social workers actively participated in and led aspects of the temperance movement.
• Key social work figures were central to advocating for temperance policies and reforms.

Implications:

• Recalls forgotten social work history to inform present-day social justice initiatives.
• Suggests reintroducing a "moral element" into social work's national approach to social problems.
• Provides historical precedent for social work engaging in large-scale social reform movements.